Most people who visit London experience the city’s skyline from the pavement below. They weave through hot crowds of people for a momentary glimpse of Big Ben before heading off to the next iconic landmark. At the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, the experience is completely transformed with their new suites. Here, the city’s grandest landmarks are yours to enjoy in total comfort: your first morning view when you open the curtains, the backdrop to dinner, and the highlight of your stay.
A Front-Row View of London
At the London Marriott Hotel County Hall, London is the centrepiece. The hotel’s recent launch of 35 river-view rooms and suites makes the absolute most of its extraordinary setting. Drawing back the curtains reveals an uninterrupted panorama across the Thames, framing Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye right outside your window.
Stepping onto the private terrace of the sixth floor Big Ben Balcony Suite early in the morning, we sip a warm espresso in the crisp river air, watching the city wake up as the morning sun hits the golden clock tower. As dusk falls, these private balconies become front-row seats to the sunset with evening lights reflecting off the water, offering a serene open-air escape high above the bustling South Bank. Inside, the expansive layout features flexible options with up to two interconnecting bedrooms, a spacious lounge, and a dining area that comfortably seats eight.
For larger groups or family stays, the South Bank Balcony Suite offers up to three interconnecting bedrooms and three bathrooms, complete with sweeping views over the London Eye. Meanwhile, the Loft Rooms utilise a split-level design featuring a private staircase leading up to an elevated viewing platform overlooking the Thames, and an evening spent unwinding up there with a glass of something as the riverboats drift below is the ideal way to end the day.
From within, you are surrounded by unmistakable British character. Its luxurious, spacious interiors are complemented by playful decor that celebrates London’s identity, such as pocket-watch-patterned curtains, bowler-hat artwork, and wallpaper that doubles as a map of the city. Collectively, they create a lavish atmosphere without being overly formal, simultaneously reminding you of the building’s rich heritage.
Century-Old Legacy
Congruent with the hotel’s respect for the city, its renovation built on what originally made the property exceptional. Occupying London’s former City Hall, the Grade II listed building was officially opened in 1922 by King George V and Queen Mary and has stood as a witness to over a century of British history. Walking through its oak-panelled corridors, you can feel the weight of history—from enduring World War II bomb strikes to hosting heated political debates between Ken Livingstone and Margaret Thatcher’s government in the 1980s. The hotel’s recent renovation carefully preserved these original architectural details while updating treasured spaces, such as The Library, which was reimagined by award-winning agency RPW Design. Once the Members’ Reading Room, The Library now features soft royal blue hues, bookcases adorned with literary busts, and bespoke carpets with subtle patterns inspired by 1930s tea sets. Today, overlooking the Thames, it serves as a widely admired haven for afternoon tea, continuing a long tradition.
Dining & Unwinding
The building may no longer host political discussions, but it still brings people together over the table. From afternoon tea in The Library, your setting shifts to pre-drinks at Gillray’s Bar, set in what was once the building’s historic Members’ Reading Room. The bar boasts a remarkable collection of over 120 gins, including the hotel’s own signature blend designed specifically to pair with steak. Cocktail enthusiasts can sample creative mixology alongside classic pours, or even take part in expert-led gin tasting classes and cocktail masterclasses, learning to craft signature drinks while enjoying evening views over the river.
From cocktails to dinner, you are shifted to dinner over Westminster. At Gillray’s Steakhouse & Bar, the backdrop is impossible to ignore. Windows occupying your entire line of sight frame Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the Thames, making London’s skyline as great an addition to dinner as the food.
All good steakhouses know that an excellent menu doesn’t come from endless choice, but from doing the classics properly. Gillrays understands this off the bat, serving locally sourced provisions from premium cuts of beef supplied directly from eighth-generation butcher O’Shea alongside fresh fish collected from Billingsgate Market. Each steak celebrates classic British butchery, offering you everything from prime ribeyes and tender sirloins to signature aged cuts, seared and served against the backdrop of Big Ben and the Thames.
While steak is undoubtedly the star of the menu, beer-battered fish and chips, chicken schnitzel and loaded Yorkshire pudding represent the best of British favourites, while dishes such as soy-glazed salmon, grilled mackerel and a salt-baked celeriac steak ensure that there’s something for every palate.
By morning, the experience shifts from steakhouse classics to a breakfast that is no less generous. Served overlooking the Thames, you can choose from a full English breakfast, lighter continental options and made-to-order favourites, all accompanied by the same uninterrupted views of Westminster that define the rest of the stay.
In homage to the landmark next door, The Library serves superb cocktails and a Big Ben-inspired afternoon tea complete with themed pastries like ‘The Elizabeth Tower’ chocolate mousse cake and ‘The Clockface’ panna cotta, styled in the silvery-blue shades of the tower’s original dial. The savoury spread features warm basil scones and tea-cured salmon on beetroot bread crafted exclusively by H. Forman & Sons, London’s oldest smokers.
Once you’ve decided to take a break from the incredible views, you can find equally exciting ways to occupy yourself within the hotel. Beyond the rooms, the hotel’s wellness amenities span two top floors at The Club at County Hall, featuring a 25-metre indoor swimming pool flooded with natural daylight. The 24/7 fitness centre is equipped with state-of-the-art Technogym machines and includes a dedicated Therabody recovery station complete with elite sports massage devices to recuperate after a day of exploring. Suite guests also gain access to the private M Club Lounge for complimentary all-day refreshments and a tranquil workspace.
Letting London Come to You
Step outside, and the hotel’s prime location immediately becomes clear. Set on the South Bank, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, and the city’s riverside promenade are all within easy walking distance. Yet during some of the capital’s grandest moments, like New Year’s Eve, the greatest luxury is staying exactly where you are. Instead of standing in the frozen crowds on the street below, you can watch London’s world-famous fireworks display unfold directly outside their private window.
London Marriott Hotel County Hall stands as an unparalleled base for exploring the capital. In a city defined by constant movement, it succeeds by offering something truly rare—the invitation to slow down, look up, and let London come to you.
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All images courtesy of London Marriott Hotel County Hall